Put Down Your Energy Drink: Consumption of Energy Drinks May Lead to Brain Hemorrhages
Energy drinks come with a long list of life threatening dangers. These sugar and caffeine loaded drinks are linked to insomnia, type 2 diabetes, severe migraines and headaches, anxiety and panic attacks, increased stress levels, and high blood pressure to name a few. Sadly, due to a recent story from married couple, Brianna and Austin (who chose not to share their last names), who are suffering with a new life threatening effect of energy drink consumption, we have a new side effect to add to the growing list – brain hemorrhaging.
Brianna’s and Austin’s heartbreaking story begins with a phone call from Brianna’s mother-in-law stating that her husband, Austin, was in the hospital, undergoing surgery due to an accident. Initially, the doctors were unable to determine the cause of Austin’s hemorrhage, however a series of tests determined that the cause of the brain hemorrhage was due to excessive consumption of energy drinks.
In an emotional Facebook post (which has now been deleted), Brianna wrote that her husband had developed an addiction to the energy drinks when he began commuting and working long hours.
Austin endured two brain surgeries, several seizures, strokes and swelling during his first two weeks in the hospital. While Austin’s life was hanging in the balance, Brianna was also preparing for the birth of their son.
Since leaving the hospital (two months after the birth of his child), Austin and Brianna have had to make several life changes. Brianna struggles daily as his sole caretaker. Austin requires multiple hospital and doctor visits, and she works hard with him on his physical, speech and occupational therapy, while taking care of their 8 month old son. Brianna writes, “It is hard, and I am tired, but we make the most of it. He isn’t the same man I fell in love with, but I still fall further everyday, We are fighting to help him recover. To make his life better. One day we will get there. Until then, I will never give up on him. Because love is selfless, and I love him more than life itself.”
Brianna and Austin’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone who relies on energy drinks to get them through the day. Despite the many documented, well-researched facts surrounding the harmful side effects of energy drinks, there are still a number of individuals who depend on these drinks. If you’re looking for healthy ways to boost your energy throughout the day, try one of these safe alternatives instead.
